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Belfast has been shortlisted for the title of Europe's Leading City Break Destination in the prestigious World Travel Awards, and the public is being urged to get behind the campaign by voting for the city.

She said: "It is great for this to be my first event as my theme for my year is Global Belfast. It is a massive privilege to be shortlisted and is fantastic Belfast is up there with the other cities.

"I would urge other people to vote, let's get people to back Belfast."

She added: "We may not be able to get behind one party but we can get behind out city."

Belfast faces competition from cities such as London, Amsterdam and Dublin, but Visit Belfast Chief Executive, Gerry Lennon, is confident that Belfast can win.

He said: "Belfast is a city transformed in the eyes of the world, and we now have a tourism product to be proud of. This nomination just goes to show the progress that the city has made in the last two decades, as we are now seen as a popular European city break destination, thanks to over £1 billion investment from organisations like Belfast City Council, Tourism Northern Ireland, and the public sector.

"The competition may be tough, but I am confident that everyone will get behind this campaign to support the city and bring the award home."